03.169
Arjuna said;
Those Daityas, remaining invisible, fought by means of illusion. I, too, fought those invisible ones by the power of weapons. (03-169-1)
The arrows released from the Gāṇḍīva, properly impelled by weapons, severed heads wherever they appeared. (03-169-2)
Then the Nivātakavacas, being slain by me in battle, suddenly withdrew their illusion and entered their own city. (03-169-3)
When the Daityas had fled and the manifestation appeared, I saw countless Dānavas slain there by the hundred thousands. (03-169-4)
There, the crushed weapons and ornaments of these men, as well as heaps of their limbs and armor, are indeed seen. (03-169-5)
There was indeed no gap in the steps of the horses; not even a single step deviated from position. Suddenly leaping up, those who moved in the sky then stood still. (03-169-6)
Then the Nivātakavacas, having thoroughly veiled the sky and remaining unseen, launched their attack, casting huge rocks. (03-169-7)
O Bhārata, the terrible Dānavas also seized the feet of other horses as they entered into the earth, and in the chariot-wheels. (03-169-8)
Having held back my chariot drawn by tawny horses while I was fighting, the kings from all sides pursued me together with my chariot. (03-169-9)
The region where we were staying, surrounded by mountains piling up and other mountains collapsing, began to resemble a cave. (03-169-10)
Covered by mountains and with the horses being restrained, I was plunged into great distress; Mātali noticed it. (03-169-11)
But, seeing that I was frightened, he said this: "Arjuna, Arjuna, do not fear, you must invoke the thunderbolt weapon." (03-169-12)
Then, having heard those words of his, I uttered the vajra, the favorite vajra weapon of the king of the gods, O king. (03-169-13)
Having reached a firm position and reverently invoking Gāṇḍīva, I released sharp iron arrows that had the touch of a thunderbolt. (03-169-14)
Then all those illusions and the Nivātakavacas—those arrows, driven by the thunderbolt, having become like thunderbolts—entered them. (03-169-15)
The Dānavas, mountain-like in form, struck by the force of the thunderbolt, fell to the earth's surface, embracing each other. (03-169-16)
But the arrows entered even those Dānavas—chariot-warriors and horsemen—who had taken refuge within the earth, striking them without fail. (03-169-17)
That region was covered by the dead and dispersed Nivātakavacas, who resembled mountains, appearing as if the land was strewn with scattered mountains. (03-169-18)
There was no injury to the horses, nor to the chariot, nor to Mātali, nor was any seen with me at that time; it seemed as if that was a wonder. (03-169-19)
Then, smiling at me, O king, Ātali addressed (me): 'The energy which is seen in you, Arjuna, is not (even) among the gods.' (03-169-20)
When the groups of asuras were slain, their wives all together screamed in the city, just like flocks of cranes in autumn. (03-169-21)
Then, I, together with Mātali, approached that city, frightening the women of the Nivātakavaca with the sound of my chariot. (03-169-22)
Having seen those ten thousand horses resembling peacocks and the chariot that shone like the sun, the women ran away in groups. (03-169-23)
Then, the sound stirred by those ornaments frightened them, just like the noise of falling stones among mountains. (03-169-24)
Affrighted, those Daitya women then entered their own mansions, which were adorned with many kinds of gems and made of refined gold. (03-169-25)
Having seen that wondrous form and the excellent city, distinguished from the city of the gods, I then questioned Mātali. (03-169-26)
Why do the deities not enter such a place? I observe that this is indeed more distinguished than the city of Purandara (Indra). (03-169-27)
Mātali said.
O Pārtha, this was formerly the city of our king of the gods; but from here the gods were driven out by the Nivātakavacas. (03-169-28)
After performing great and intense austerities and propitiating the Grandfather (Brahmā), this boon was obtained for residence, and also fearlessness in battle for the gods. (03-169-29)
Then, when urged by Śakra, the revered Self-born one (Brahmā), desiring his own welfare, performed (the act) here. (03-169-30)
Vāsava (Indra) said, 'That which was spoken by the revered one—“It is fate here”—(will come to pass): only you, O Slayer of Vṛtra, will be the end for these (enemies), but with another body.' (03-169-31)
Therefore, for the destruction of these, Indra gave you weapons, for those whom you have slain cannot be killed by the gods. (03-169-32)
O Bhārata, by the transformation of time, therefore you have come here; you have become the destroyer of these, and so it has been done by you. (03-169-33)
O best of men, you obtained that excellent power of the great weapons from Mahendra for the destruction of the dānavas. (03-169-34)
Arjuna said.
Then, after entering the city and killing those demons, I went again with Mātali to the divine abode. (03-169-35)
